Italian racing icon Valentino Rossi is working toward a Nordschleife B Permit that would let him line up for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The former MotoGP star, now a BMW factory driver, must complete eight incident‑free laps in a Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie (NLS) event using entry‑level equipment to qualify.
Since retiring from MotoGP in 2021, Rossi has spent two seasons in the FIA World Endurance Championship before stepping away, citing a dislike for mixed‑class racing and the travel demands. He now focuses on the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, both run by SRO. Because his BMW affiliation limits him to teams fielding BMWs, he is eyeing a one‑off entry with M2 Racing, a squad that helps drivers secure permits. Scheduling clashes between NLS and SRO races narrow his windows, but a few open dates remain.
If Rossi clinches the permit, he could join the 2027 Nürburgring 24 Hours grid, adding a high‑profile name to an event already buzzing after Max Verstappen’s dramatic debut. While Rossi’s GT record—seven podiums and a win at the 2025 Indianapolis 8 Hour—doesn’t match Verstappen’s F1 pedigree, his presence is expected to draw a sizable crowd.
